Kilkenny

Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a chronic skin condition that causes infection and pain in the natal cleft area, often affecting young adults. This research compares two approaches to wound care after surgical removal of chronic PSD to see which leads to faster healing and better patient-reported outcomes. The study is a single-blinded, multicentre, prospective randomized controlled trial focused on improving recovery after surgery for PSD. The trial compares negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), where a special dressing applies suction to the wound, with standard open wound care after surgery to remove the pilonidal sinus. Participants receive either NPWT applied to their wound post-surgery or standard open wound care without primary closure. The study evaluates how these treatments affect the time it takes for the wound to fully heal following surgery. Participants are monitored for wound healing and patient-reported outcomes over six months after surgery. Researchers will assess the time to complete wound healing and track recovery progress through questionnaires and clinical evaluations. The study aims to provide evidence on the best post-operative wound care method to reduce complications and improve quality of life for patients with PSD.

Researchers are studying adults attending Irish hospitals with infectious diseases, including Covid-19, through the All-Ireland Infectious Diseases (AIID) Cohort. This multicenter, prospective, and ongoing observational study enrolls adult patients over 18 years old who seek infectious disease care. The study aims to collect detailed clinical, laboratory, and treatment data to better understand infectious diseases and their impact. Participants provide consent to use their routine clinical and laboratory data collected from medical records and electronic health systems. Data collected includes demographics, laboratory results related to infections such as HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis C, and Covid-19, medication use, adherence, and clinical events including hospitalizations. Biological samples are also collected up to five times every six months for biobanking to support future research on host and pathogen factors. During the study, participants attend routine clinic visits where data and samples are collected. Researchers monitor and record clinical history, treatments, and laboratory findings. The main outcome is to establish a data-rich cohort over an average of one year. Ethical approval and informed consent are obtained, and data access is governed by strict guidelines to protect participant information. The duration of the cohort is unlimited, allowing long-term observation.